Legal action & edu must go hand-in-hand to bring change

Telangana min Dansari Anasuya shares vision for inclusive future

- VARSHA SOMARAJ @T'Puram

ANSARI ANASUYA, the Telangana minister for panchayat raj and rural development, rural water supply, and women and child welfare, was in Thiruvananthapuram to attend the Dalit Progress Conclave.

In an interaction with TNIE, she discusses the struggles of marginalized groups and the need for policy changes. The three-time MLA from Mulugu, fondly called Seethakka, also shares her vision for a more inclusive and empowered future.

Excerpts

How do you see caste discrimination evolving in India? Is it changing?

Casteism has existed for centuries. The mindset of our people has been shaped to believe in a hierarchy—some are seen as upper caste while others are considered lower caste. Many believe that lower caste people don't deserve equal opportunities. This idea of dominance is ingrained deeply in society. Discrimination exists between people within the same society. But in reality, we are all equal. However, our mindsets are conditioned to think otherwise.

Do you think the current government policies are helping dalits and marginalized communities?